WOYM – Happy Trails Vince

Aaron Harries spoke with Vince Peterson, the president of U.S. Wheat Associates, who shares insights from his extensive career in the wheat industry and discusses his upcoming retirement in 2025. 
In this episode, we explore Vince's journey, the evolution of the global wheat market, and his perspectives on the future of wheat production and trade. From his beginnings at General Mills to his leadership at U.S. Wheat Associates, Vince shares valuable insights gained over decades of experience.

- Discover how the wheat market shifted from government to private sector buyers due to global trade agreements.
- Understand the impact of events like the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the Iraq wars on wheat trade.
- Learn about the importance of providing reliable quality wheat and technical support to developing markets.
- Explore the potential for hard white wheat to enhance market competitiveness.
- Gain advice on embracing challenges with optimism and flexibility in the agricultural sector.

(00:00:01) - Introduction to Wheat's on Your Mind podcast with Aaron Harries and guest Vince Peterson from U.S. Wheat Associates.
(00:00:37) - Vince Peterson's upcoming retirement in 2025 after a long career with U.S. Wheat Associates.
(00:00:55) - Vince Peterson's career path before U.S. Wheat Associates and his initial lack of interest in agriculture.
(00:02:22) - Peterson's first job out of college was buying wheat for General Mills.
(00:03:14) - An offer from a grain export company in Portland, Oregon, led to trading wheat for export.
(00:03:47) - Peterson got to know the U.S. Wheat people while working in Asia and Portland.
(00:04:10) - Winston Wilson offered Peterson a job with U.S. Wheat in 1985.
(00:04:38) - Peterson's role in Egypt as assistant director for the Middle East.
(00:05:48) - Peterson's return to Washington D.C. into a role that didn't exist at the time.
(00:06:33) - Egypt's wheat imports and its shift to a private sector.
(00:07:39) - A snapshot of the global wheat market in 1985 with government agency buyers.
(00:08:52) - The shift from government buying agencies to private agencies.
(00:10:41) - The Canadian Wheat Board and the Australian Wheat Board going away.
(00:13:54) - How US Wheat pivoted after the fall of the Soviet Union.
(00:16:22) - The messaging to U.S. wheat customers over Peterson's career.
(00:18:07) - Technical assistance as a bedrock of the services that US Wheat provides.
(00:19:47) - Larger than life figures Peterson has worked with.
(00:22:25) - World leaders Peterson has met in his career.
(00:25:08) - Peterson's presentations at Latin American buyers conferences.
(00:26:43) - Peterson's crystal ball and his vision for the global wheat market.
(00:28:32) - Peterson's thoughts on the next big change coming about.
(00:30:49) - How the U.S. can meet the demand and where it fits in the picture.
(00:32:33) - Peterson's five wishes to position the U.S. best.
(00:35:46) - What's been most rewarding for Peterson.
(00:37:03) - Peterson's message for farmers about the next decade or two.
(00:38:48) - Best wishes for Vince's retirement.

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